Chinese firms win contract for Mozambique border post

Mozambique has awarded a 25-year contract valued at US$37.2 million to two Chinese firms to build and operate a one-stop border post at Machipanda. The project, which will modernise a key logistics corridor along National Road No. 6, has been granted to Union Portlink Capital and Zhongmei Engineering Group, according to multiple media outlets.

Located in central Manica province, approximately 20 kilometres from the city of Chimoio, the Machipanda border post sits along the highway connecting the Port of Beira to the interior of southern Africa. This strategic trade route facilitates sea access for several landlocked countries, including Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi.

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Construction is slated to begin in October and is expected to take roughly 30 months. Once completed, the site will cover 55,500 square metres. The infrastructure development will include a 35,000-square-metre multimodal cargo terminal, three new bridges spanning the Machipanda River, various warehousing facilities, and residential housing for staff.

Border post to boost trade efficiency

The project’s financing structure sees the Chinese companies holding a 75 percent stake, while Mozambique’s Road Fund contributes 15 percent, with local business partners providing the remaining 10 percent.

Authorities anticipate that the new facility will significantly boost trade efficiency. With more than 2,000 trucks traversing the border daily to transport goods to countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the integration of customs and border services is expected to reduce waiting times.